Morality and the crucible Essay

Morality is the distinction between right and wrong. It is the determination of what should be done and what should not be done; or what is right and what is wrong. Morals deal with behaviors as well as motives. All humans live by some set of morals especially religious people. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, this is clearly evident. It is about the puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts and the hunt for witches. Many people are falsely accused of witchcraft.

Throughout this account of history key characters have to make choices that challenge their beliefs and ethics. They must decide whether to do what is right, and fight against a lie, or do what’s wrong and give in to the lie to save their own lives. Elizabeth Proctor is one of those who fought for the truth, therefore she; in my opinion is the most moral character in the story. Elizabeth is the wife of John Proctor; reserved, honest, slow to complain, and dutiful. She and her husband share a similarly strict adherence to justice and moral principles.

She has great confidence in her own morality and in the ability of a person to maintain a sense of righteousness even when this principle conflicts with strict Christian doctrine. She is well known throughout the village for being a very Christian woman, knowing all her commandments. Whenever her husband is confused or indecisive about something, she leads him onto the path of justice. For example, she urges him to stop the witch trials by revealing the truth about Abigail’s sinful, deceitful ways.

When Her husband has to decide whether to be killed or confess to witchcraft, she doesn’t want him to give into a corrupt and unjust society. Although she doesn’t wish to lose her husband, she still doesn’t sidestep her morals and beliefs. Even at the end, when Proctor decides to die instead of signing a confession that would have been a lie, she doesn’t try to fight his decision but shows respect for his righteous choice when she says, “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him! ” This shows that not only her own, but her husbands morals as well, were important to her.

Out of all the characters in the Crucible, Elizabeth proved to be the most moral. In a society where it’s either, accuse or be accused, she chose to stick to her morals even if it meant her demise. She made a decision that was righteous in her eyes. “Often in true tests of moral character where people are tempted to deceive, be dishonest, or take advantage of each other, there are few who truly succeed. ” This statement proved true, especially during the witch hunt, but Elizabeth Proctor was able to come out as one who succeeded in standing her grounds and protecting her morality.

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